Sunday, December 29, 2013

I recently received a nice note from an 11-year-old who requested that I develop scavenger hunt #8. Although I live in the United States, this reader is playing my Wildflower Bouquets games on the other side of the globe! That has inspired me to create a scavenger hunt that reminds us that we are all under the same sky and that we all call Earth our home.

Aizaz, this one is for you. I hope you like it!

This hunt includes ten rhyming riddles with a celestial theme. As each riddle is solved, the leader can give players a hint where to look for the next clue. I hid each riddle inside a folded letter found in the last graphic on this game. Suggestions with several options for hiding the clues make this scavenger hunt great for home or school. The letters might be hidden in order or scrambled to add another challenge level for the players to spell the terms at the conclusion of the game.

This hunt involves basic astronomy terms. Because the riddles rhyme, younger kids may be able to guess some of these, or you might take the opportunity to learn more about our sky together. Here are a few web sites that you might wish to study before attempting this treasure hunt. Some of the terms are easy, but others might be a bit more challenging!

Hide each riddle in the locations designated below - you may wish to fold each inside a letter spelling the hidden message or you might exchange a letter for each solved clue.

After all riddles are solved, players can assemble the letters to spell the secret message.

Here are the ten riddles for my Under the Same Sky scavenger hunt. You may wish to fold these inside each letter to spell the secret astronomy term:

Free Rhyming Riddles for Treasure Hunt

Here are the answers to the rhyming riddles:

Indoor Scavenger Hunt Rhyming Riddle Clue Answers

Here are suggestions for hiding places for the riddles that might be used at home or in school, or you might play the game again and choose other options for hiding places:

Fun Scavenger Hunt for Home or School

After the player(s) solve each riddle, offer a hint for where to look for the next riddle.

Free Astronomy Scavenger Hunt

Print and cut these letters or you might make them larger by cutting a piece of colored construction paper into ten pieces and writing each letter on a piece. I folded these around riddles #2 through #10 and placed the last one where players would look after solving the last riddle. Younger players might wish to name each letter. Scramble the order that players find each letter to make this treasure hunt more challenging.

Scavenger hunts are a fun, unique way to learn all sorts of concepts as simple as letter recognition or as complicated as astronomical terms. Parents, teachers, babysitters, and many others might utilize scavenger hunts to break the boredom of staying inside. I welcome feedback in the comments section below and hope all of you enjoy this latest game.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Music is one of the most memorable parts of the Christmas season for me. For as long as I can remember, I've played and listened to music. Sometimes I just want to sit back, close my eyes, and transport myself into the rhythms.

I have some personal favorites that I'd like to share with you, and I have provided a link to each one below. These are familiar Christmas songs with versions that pull out all the stops with their unique renditions. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

This Christmas song has a special place in my heart because my dad and I used to play it together. This version is a cappella with some great beat boxing and a beautiful view behind the singers. One would expect a traditional drum, but the human voicebox can create some pretty unusual and unique rhythms as well.

If one were to play this without any video, most would be hard pressed to name the instrument being played. With a table lined with glasses partially filled with water, this duo creates a magical moment of music.

This group pushes the limits and stretches the imagination through their choice of instruments and unusual settings. They also stretch the limits in how they play the instruments. A broken string does not hold them back – they just celebrate the moment and don't miss a beat.

Those who are musicians will appreciate the difficulty of this piece with numerous bell changes and many sixteenth notes throughout the song. I only recently learned about this group and am quite impressed with so many of their pieces. They infuse some of their songs, such as The Grinch, with a bit of humor that keeps the audience watching to see what they will do next!

This Christmas carol calls for top talent, and these ladies rise to the occasion with crystal clear voices that are unique but blend beautifully. Celtic Woman captures the audience's attention from the first note through the end of the song.''

Many people that I know name What Child is This as their favorite Christmas carol. It seems only fitting that Ms. Stirling would choose to play this song in a minor key outside where nature tends to play in minor keys as well.

Some of my roots dig deep into country music. Buddy Greene is an amazing harmonica player, and the haunting words capture this mother's heart. This newer Christmas song combines hope with the hindsight of those who have a human's glimpse of what that Baby accomplished.

I would have loved to have been shopping there that day! This group does a nice job of pleasantly surprising folks in the mall. It is fun to simply see the reactions of the many people who happened to be at the right place at the right time.

A lot of people find this song to be annoying and cannot wait for all twelve of those days to be done. However, this version throws in some unexpected twists and turns. I won't be the spoiler. Trust me – I think even those who are not big fans of this song will get a kick out of this one.

I wish that Landfill Harmonic will create a Christmas collection. These children who play instruments made from recycled garbage are creating hope along with their music – many kudos to those who are helping to make that happen.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Although many people think of green trees and red holly berries during the holiday season, seasonal green dollar bills may seem to sprout wings, leaving one seeing red in the bank account. In a less than favorable economy, many people who worked full-time may find their job in jeopardy, and those who work part-time may suddenly find themselves scrambling to find additional jobs if hours are cut. With student loan interest on the rise, soaring costs of healthcare and childcare, and higher prices for other essentials, many people face hard decisions regarding extra spending during the holidays. According to the Department of Commerce, in 2011 the average household debt increased to $70,000.

Set a Christmas Budget

Want to stay out of debt for Christmas? First, determine how much money you can afford to spend. Most people can predict approximately how much money they will make in a given month. Next, determine predictable expenses for one's household each month. Decide what you can afford to spend that is over and above expected costs. Avoid planning to spend all money that does not go to essentials – unexpected expenses like car repairs or replacing a broken refrigerator in December can rapidly lead to added debt if you do not have cash reserve.

Planning ahead financially can lead to much more financial satisfaction. Some people find it helpful to set aside money each month throughout the year in order to stay within budget. Those who struggle with purchasing past the limit may find it helpful to only pay for gifts with cash. When the greenbacks run out, the Christmas shopping is over. However, one might consider additional gifts that do not cost money, such as a handmade gift, providing a service such as cleaning the house, offering to watch someone's kids for an evening, or a heartfelt letter.

Popular gifts for Christmas may have skyrocketing prices in the weeks before December 25. Looking for deals, sales, and coupons can be advantageous. One may find lower prices and a better selection at other times of the year. Avoid the temptation to buy all the latest trends – many of those begin to get "old" rather quickly. A thoughtful gift during hard financial times might translate to giving gifts of necessity rather than leisure.

If purchasing tickets for an event, ask if deals are available. I have saved as much as 50% for event tickets that do not have advertised specials. One might also ask if the salesperson can offer an unadvertised discount or price match for an item in a store. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Many low cost holiday decorations and items, from Christmas trees, ornaments, and wreaths to clothing and cards, may be found at thrift and consignment shops before and after Christmas. One can often find great deals on traditional holiday foods right after Thanksgiving. If you have freezer space, you might consider purchasing the Christmas turkey when prices drop after Thanksgiving.

Although Christmas is a time that many people wish to spend together with family, many find it nearly impossible to purchase gifts for everyone in the family. Extended families of 50 or more people can turn into a huge burden for those who live on a tight budget, instead turning the days before Christmas into multiple hours trying to find meaningful gifts for everyone coming, leaving the person drained of the Christmas spirit and the pocketbook drained as well. Those who struggle financially may resort to avoiding family get-togethers because they cannot afford the multiple gifts expected by others and they may lack the funds for transportation.

Many families choose to limit gift giving. Some only purchase gifts for the children or draw names among those who wish to participate in gift giving. Families might exchange very inexpensive or silly gifts to offer a laugh.

Others do away with traditional gift giving altogether. Some families encourage one another to do volunteer work and share their experiences instead. Some family members may offer to cover the cost of transportation, making the gift the ability to be together for the holidays.

Carefully consider each person on the gift list and determine one's motives for doing so. Many people purchase gifts for people they do not know or do not particularly care to be around for various reasons. Many of those gifts that might be adding to one's debt end up being re-gifted or immediately donated to places like Goodwill.

As the holidays approach, many people eat at restaurants; however, one can save quite a bit of money by making the meals at home, and the food selections may be healthier. Meal preparation can involve the whole family. Those who live close to others might consider progressive meals in which various homes prepare one part of the meal while everyone travels from home to home to enjoy each part together with friends and/or family for an interesting twist and change of pace.

Many local towns and counties offer a wealth of free and low cost Christmas and holiday activities. Enjoying a parade together with the family or attending church services to celebrate the season offer opportunities to be with one another and enjoy quality and quantity time.

A staycation can be quite rewarding and less stressful for everyone. Staying at home and watching a Christmas movie or playing board games together can be memories more cherished than that expensive present under the tree. Playing scavenger hunts, reading library books, having a home holiday "spa," and playing hide-and-go-seek in the dark may keep the kids unplugged from electronic devices and engaged in enjoying family time together. Staying home does not necessarily mean being alone.

Most people would not have to look far to find others who are staying at home or may be alone. Homeless college students are often forced out of the dorms during winter break. Many people who live in assisted living facilities or long-term care facilities would love to share holidays with a friend. Inviting someone to enjoy the holidays with one's own family can prove to be a blessing for everyone.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

This Thanksgiving season, you can be thankful you don't have to create a fun activity to keep everyone from getting bored! Here is a scavenger hunt I designed with ten rhyming riddles incorporating a little history and some popular Thanksgiving traditions in the United States. I've included the answers on a separate page and also a word bank in case someone needs a little help!

While Players are in Another Room

Click on the images below to enlarge.

Print using file-print.

Save the first clue and hide the other nine clues in the location for the answer for the previous clue and place the Thanksgiving printable inside a calendar or under the keyboard of a computer.

To Play

Have the player(s) read the first clue.

When the player correctly guesses the missing word, give directions for where to find the next clue and continue until all clues are found using the hints below.

Have players to write or draw items for which they are thankful on the printable at the end.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The Christmas season often ushers a flurry of activities and gifts along with a plethora of emotions, from sweet nostalgia to absolute nausea at the thought of facing the holiday for another year. Often lost in the shuffle cries that still, small voice that simply yet profoundly tells us to look to God and find meaningful ways to love one other. Below are a few Christmas ideas that perhaps will turn the holiday into a season of renewed hope and a time of peace and joy.

Many people dread Christmas because of the incredible financial hardships resulting from purchasing gift after gift. Countless people have told me that their most memorable and special Christmas memories were wrapped in times when money was tight but someone took the time to do something special for them. Gift giving can easily spiral out of control and leave people with unwanted debt and a home full of unnecessary gadgets. Many people find great rewards in making homemade gifts and helping others in tangible but simple ways.

Homemade gifts show others that you took the time to make something special for him or her. You might include a note explaining how you learned that particular type of craft and who taught you how to do it. If materials used have some sort of sentimental value, that would also be great information to include in the note.

Sharing one's time and talents with others can infuse the season with more meaning. You might try serving others alone or as a group, anonymously or coordinated with the recipient. It does not have to be elaborate. Here are a few examples:

Decorate someone's home and take down the decorations after the holiday.

Clean someone's home, yard, or vehicle.

Visit with someone who is lonely.

Write a personal letter to someone and send via snail mail.

Offer to transport someone to an appointment or evening out.

Cook a meal for someone (make sure to check about special dietary needs first).

Watch someone's children for an afternoon or evening before Christmas.

Provide respite care for someone who has a sick family member.

Help someone organize pictures or paperwork.

Ask someone what he/she would like for you to do for him/her (the response might surprise you yet give you a clear direction for meeting that person's needs)

December often seems to be full of volunteer opportunities; however, many needs for help continue throughout the year. Offering a gift of volunteer service, time, or kind words on a regular basis throughout the year might make the gift infinitely more meaningful to the recipients.

It is easy to get trapped into the "gotta do everything" mindset as Christmas approaches. If you have traditions, consider each one carefully. Some people do the same thing year after year because they assume that everyone expects them to do it. In reality, some folks simply go through the motions of those traditions because they are thinking the same thing of you. Discuss what works and identify what needs tweaking. Plan to assess each year to give yourself permission to try new and different things. Some ideas will work. If changes do not work well, you will have added knowledge and new opportunities for the next year.

Guard your down time. Rest and relaxation can be renewing and rejuvenating, but those empty spaces in the calendar can easily be ambushed by others. Consider turning off the cell phone, electronic devices, television, and computer. If the thought of doing so makes you cringe, that might be all the more reason to unplug for a while.

Consider celebrating on different days. Many family members end up missing being with the ones they love for the holidays because in-laws, outlaws, and others insist on celebrating on the same date. As more and more people find that they have to work on holidays or have blended homes, considering another day to celebrate is an option well worth considering. Some extended families celebrate Christmas before or after December 25 and have a blast doing so.

Many people find holidays to be painful because they cannot be with someone whom they hold dear. Finding ways to honor someone's memory may help you to focus your thoughts toward something that would have pleased that person whom you love. You might consider the person's interests or someone that the person or group of people held near to his or her heart.

Talking about that person can be a healing experience. Setting aside a special time during a family celebration to remember and honor that person might help younger generations to enjoy memories through other people's eyes.

Since Christmas is a Christian holiday, this season is a great time to learn about Jesus and His life and His gift of eternal life through reading scripture, attending services, listening to music, and more.

Finding meaningful ways to celebrate the season might be challenging and encourage one to move out of the comfort zone of stale and superficial celebrations, but the effort may be worth more than one could ever imagine!

Feel free to share your own special and unique Christmas traditions in the comment section below.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

These free printable words of thanks are bold, colorful, and simple. We often forget to thank others, so here's a chance to put a smile on someone else's face who might not be expecting a thank you. Simply print the images and keep them with you until you have an occasion to share with someone else.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Hygiene can be a rather bland topic, but thinking outside the box can make the subject fun and exciting! This scavenger hunt has two versions: one for the home and one for a school setting. You can easily adapt it for various literacy levels while encouraging critical thinking, teamwork, and letter recognition. By the end of the game, the kids will also learn how to spell the word "hygiene!"

In order to print the graphics, simply click on the image to enlarge and select file-print.

Directions

Print the letters for the word hygiene
and cut out each letter, making a stack for each letter of the word (all
Hs together, all Ys together, etc.) Ensure that you have enough of each letter for each child playing.

Print the mystery message cards (one for each player).

Print the riddles and cut out.

Keep the first riddle and then hide
riddles #2-#8 using either the school version or the home version directions (see below). Place
the hygiene mystery message card in the answer for #8. For younger kids, you may wish to hide the hygiene mystery message card in the location for the answer for the first riddle so that the children can glue each letter on the card as they find each one.

School groups - divide children into seven
groups. Home - have children take turns.

Read each riddle to younger kids or
have older kids take turns reading each riddle, starting with #1. The clues rhyme; the rhyming word or phrase is in red.

Once the riddle is solved (answers below), give instructions where to find the clue in the school version or
have the children simply search in the home, providing hints as needed.

When the children turn in a solved riddle,
everyone "earns" a letter. Ensure that each child receives all
letters to spell the word hygiene. Give letters out in order for younger
kids or scramble the order for older kids.

Once all letters and the mystery message card
are found, have the children create the word "hygiene" on their
papers. Reinforce letter recognition with younger kids or have older kids
rearrange the words until they have correctly spelled the word. Check the spelling before the children glue
the letters on the paper.

Home Version - where to hide the riddles/clues

In the shower

Near some soap

With the paper towels

Under the hand sanitizer

Around a hair brush

In a drawer or closet with the shirts

In the refrigerator

Near the dental floss

School Version - hints for finding the
next riddle/clue

A place where you might see flowers

A place where you might find soap

A place where you might see a ball game

A place where you can find hand sanitizer

A place where you might hang a hat

A place where a box of tissues might be found

A place where one might control the temperature of the room

A place where you might look while brushing your teeth

Riddles for Hygiene Scavenger Hunt

Rhyming Clues for Scavenger Hunt

Answers to Riddles for Hygiene Scavenger Hunt

Shower

Soap

Towel

Sanitizer

Hairbrush

Sleeve

Cool

Floss

Letters Spelling the Word Hygiene

Teach Kids Importance of Hygiene

Mystery Message Card for Hygiene Scavenger Hunt

Mystery Message Card for Katrena's Hygiene Scavenger Hunt

A children's book that works well with this scavenger hunt is Tired of My Bath by Dicy McCullough. You can also find a PowerPoint game and puzzles related to hygiene and her book on her web site.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Pumpkins can readily bring out one's creative juices. With a big blank orange slate, one can make an endless variety of eye-catching designs using paint, markers, and a little bit of time. With a bit of glue, the pumpkin can grow various and sundry interesting additions to transform into...well...anything.

Our elementary school offers a pumpkin decorating contest each year in which children bring spare change and vote for their favorite designs by placing coins in the bucket beside favorite picks. After announcing the winner of the contest, the proceeds are then split among the teachers in order to purchase books for the classroom in the spring.

Many teachers are famous for having creativity – instructors are often challenged to create hands-on learning opportunities on a low budget. Decorating a pumpkin seems second nature to many classroom teachers.

Some teachers featured children in the class. For example, the Cinderella carriage displayed cards written by each student in which they listed their own dreams while another pumpkin displayed pictures of students.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Scavenger hunts are some of my kids' favorite activities. They are always excited when I come up with a new one, and I often post my clues and activities on this blog so that others can share in the excitement.

One of the easiest scavenger hunts imaginable is a digital photo version. The first time I tried one of these was at a children's museum. My youngest one was thrilled to be in an area that my two older kids found a little boring. No worries! I just slipped around the room snapping pictures of some objects, handed my digital camera over to the kids, and suddenly the area was incredibly cool for everyone!

Making a digital scavenger hunt can work great even if you have kids of different ages and ability levels. Simply make pictures of objects in a designated area. Make sure you take pictures that are a multiple of the number of kids who will be playing. For example, I have three daughters, so I might take 24 pictures, giving each child the opportunity to find eight items.

Provide directions for the kids, such as being very careful with the digital camera if you have them to carry it and to make sure not to point out the object if someone else is hunting for it. If you are taking pictures with certain children in mind, let the children know what order to take turns. For example, a younger child might need pictures of objects that are lower or can easily be seen from his or her vantage point and you might challenge older children by taking photos of a small portion of an object.

Once the kids have found all of the pictures, you might want to provide a prize or have another game idea ready. Don't be surprised if they ask you to do this one again! A digital scavenger hunt can work well inside or outside, and each one can be as unique as you wish to make it.

Monday, October 7, 2013

This Wizard of Oz themed indoor scavenger hunt highlights various scenes, characters, and life lessons from the popular original 1939 movie. It encourages literacy and critical thinking skills as kids read the rhyming clues, try to fill in the blanks, and then find, assemble, and read the final surprise. The scavenger hunt includes a short set-up time and very few supplies.

Click on the images below to enlarge before printing. Two images fit on one piece of paper.

Directions for playing the Wizard of Oz Scavenger Hunt

Print the 10 riddles and location prompts and cut down the center, separating the riddles from the prompts.

Print the 10 surprise ending clues, cut, and hide them in each area as described by each prompt.*

Place a piece of construction paper over the riddles so that the child(ren) can only see the latest one.

Have the child(ren) read the riddle and fill in the blank.

Once the child(ren) successfully solves the riddle, read the prompt that matches the number on the riddle.

The child(ren) will then search for the clue in the location described by the prompt.

Once all clues are found, assemble the words so that they may read the surprise sentence!**

*Clues may be hidden in order, or you might add more of a challenge by mixing them up. You may wish to cut out construction paper and attach the clues to the colored paper or hide in a colored paper pocket to add a little variety. If more than one child is playing, print a set of clues for each child, hiding each set in the described area so that every child will have the surprise sentence at the end.
**You might wish to have the child(ren) glue the sentence on a colorful piece of paper and draw his or her own picture of a Wizard of Oz scene as a memento.

Visit Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets site map for more scavenger hunts, printables, and family-friendly activities. If you are looking for a fun Wizard of Oz travel destination, you might consider Autumn at Oz.

About Me

I currently serve as a Faith Community Nurse at a local church. This is an ever-changing role in which I visit one-on-one with clients, provide education and advocacy, develop fitness challenges and lead group exercise classes, coordinate an annual health fair, and encourage health promotion and disease prevention within the community.
Before becoming a FCN, I worked as a staff nurse at a Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in a large teaching hospital for 17 1/2 years and have been teaching group exercise since 1999.
I developed the first online curriculum for nurse aides in North Carolina and still develop and teach some online classes for a local community college.